Mobile utility articulating boom system

ABSTRACT

A boom system for transporting and deployment of utility service lines (such as cables, wires, hoses, pipes, etc.) from sources of the services to a drilling rig. The mobile boom system includes a mobile skid with posts located at opposite ends of the skid, and one or more articulating booms pivotally attached to each skid post. One or more articulating booms attached to a post at the first end of the skid can support and carry the service lines connected to the sources and one or more articulating booms attached to a post at the second end of the skid can support and carry the service lines connected to a drilling rig, or to an articulating boom extending from a drilling rig. The mobile articulating boom system can include means for moving and selectively positioning the mobile articulating boom system at a drilling site.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/434,088, filed Dec. 14, 2016, the entire disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods useful in paddrilling and other drilling operations, and more particularly toapparatus, systems, and methods useful in connection with the movementand operation of mobile drilling equipment to minimize the difficultiesand time associated with the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drilling rigs and related equipment have used booms to carry water andelectrical lines. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,819,207, issued to Cowanon Oct. 26, 2010, and titled “Mobile Land Drilling Rig and Method ofInstallation,” which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein, describes a mobile drilling rig and relating drillingequipment. Among other things, the use of a utility swing arm isdescribed for carrying water and electrical lines above ground as asafer alternative to the previous approach of running utility lines onthe ground in the area of the drilling site.

Pad drilling is a term generally used to describe drilling operationswhen a drilling rig is moved from one borehole to another on a singledrilling pad, such as is common in certain oil and gas drillingoperations. When the drilling rig moves to another wellbore within theconfines of the same drilling pad, however, it is helpful if only therig itself needs to be moved, as opposed to all of the supportingequipment, such as power sources, fluid sources, and the like. Thepower, fluid, and other requirements for a rig's operation are utilitiesfor the rig, and can be provided by a combination of cables, wires,pipes, etc. Towards achieving this goal, it is possible to use one ormore “booms” to carry cabling and the like from a source location to askid post to which a boom is attached, and from the same skid post via asecond boom attached to the skid post to the rig, such as is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 9,360,134 B2, which issued to Orgeron et al. on Jun. 7,2016, and is entitled “Service Line Transport and Deployment System,”the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference hereinas if fully set forth herein.

In addition to the Cowan and Orgeron et al. patents noted above, therehave been a number of different approaches generally directed tosupporting, managing, and/or handling cables, piping, hoses, wires,and/or the like in a variety of different intended applications,including those set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,439,700, 6,600,665,6,902,069, 9,151,412, and 9,353,601, and in U.S. Published PatentApplication No. 2011/0132485 A1, U.S. Published Patent Application No.2012/0012714 A1, U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2013/0270399 A1,and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2015/0096952 A1, each of whichis hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a number of advantages over conventionalboom systems in transporting and deployment of service lines fromstationary sources of the services to a drilling rig. These servicesthat are supplied to the drilling rig via piping or cables, for example,include but are not limited to electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, andcommunication services. The present disclosure provides a mobile skidwith posts located at opposite ends of the skid, and one or more boomspivotally attached to each skid post. The disclosed mobile skid can thusprovide an additional extension to the range of the service lines, suchas cabling and piping can be run underneath the booms and on or abovethe top surface of the skid, underneath the skid, or within a bottomframe of the skid to connect a boom at a first location, such as one endof the skid that is disposed toward the service sources, for example, toa boom at a second location, such as the other end, which is disposedtoward the drilling rig. In one embodiment, for example, the cabling andpiping is held in a rack horizontally mounted on or above the deck ofthe skid base. The skid further is adapted to provide the booms in afirst, undeployed position, in which the booms fit within thesubstantially rectangular space above the skid, which makestransportation of the boom system easier and quicker. In a second,deployed position, the booms can extend from the skid, with one set of aplurality of booms extending from one skid post to a source location,and the second set of a plurality of booms extending from the secondskid post to a rig location.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mobile skid is furtherequipped with a plurality of hydraulically actuated feet or pads,together with a control system, allowing an operator to selectivelyactuate the hydraulic feet and thereby cause the skid to “walk” and movefrom a first location to a second location. With repeated iterations,the skid can then be selectively positioned with respect to the rig andthe source location, thereby allowing greater flexibility of operation.For example, the operator can selectively move the position of the skidaround a drilling site to avoid any natural or man-made obstacles, andby moving the skid can achieve a greater range of movement of the rigrelative to the source location. Moreover, the control system in oneembodiment can be remotely operated by an operator at a distance remotefrom the skid (such as for extra safety measures), with the operatorusing a controller, and such controller can be connected eitherwirelessly or by an extended wire tether or the like to the controlsystem for the skid and the hydraulic actuators. In still otherembodiments, the skid may have a plurality of wheels which are moved bymotors connected thereto, or the skid may have a plurality of treads ortracks, such as continuous band of linked tread plates which can bedriven by motors connected thereto. In yet other embodiments, the skidis provided with a plurality of air bearings to provide an air cushionto allow easy movement of the rig. Still another embodiment includes aplurality of rollers or skid plates to allow easy movement of the skidalong the ground.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the rig itself can havea rig boom removably and/or pivotally connected thereto. In thisparticular embodiment, the rig boom can be positioned at angles from therig of at least +45 degrees to −45 degrees with respect to a lineperpendicular to the side of the rig structure. This feature allows theentire rig to rotate and move around the drilling site more than wouldbe possible with a boom arm attached directly to the rig. In addition,in this embodiment the rig boom can have one or more junction boxeslocated at its end distal the rig, so that the cabling and pipingcarried by the boom from the skid can be plugged into receptacleslocated in the junction boxes, thus making it easier and quicker toconnect the piping and cabling from the source and via the skid andbooms to the rig itself.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method ofproviding utilities to a drilling rig is provided, which comprisesproviding a movable skid having a longitudinal axis, a first end with afirst post proximal thereto, a second end with a second post proximalthereto, means for supporting service lines such as cabling or piping ora combination thereof located between the first post and the secondpost, and having means for selectively moving the skid, providing afirst boom swingably attached to the first post, providing a second boomswingably attached to the second post, wherein each of the first boomand the second boom are adapted to support a plurality of cabling orpiping or a combination thereof, and selectively moving at least theskid with the means for selectively moving the skid. The method can alsoinclude the step of moving at least either the first boom or the secondboom, or both of them. In one embodiment, the means for selectivelymoving the skid comprise a plurality of hydraulically actuated skidpads. The methods of the disclosure may also include the step ofselectively moving the skid further comprises the steps of moving theskid in both a first direction and in a second direction, reorientingthe direction of a longitudinal axis the skid relative to a drillingrig, selectively moving the location and/or orientation of the skid inresponse to movement of a drilling rig, and/or moving at least one ofthe first boom and the second boom.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a rack or modularhandling system is provided for removably holding and securing cabling,piping and other service lines to a boom. The modular handling systemmay include a plurality of connecting brackets to hold the systemtogether and to attach the system to the boom. In addition, the systemmay include a plurality of opposing pairs of brackets, with each pairadapted to provide an opening of a desired and predetermined size andshape to removably hold one of the service lines. In one embodiment, theplurality of opposing pairs of brackets may provide one or more openingsof different shapes and/or sizes for removably holding different servicelines.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a boom system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, the boom system is in afirst, undeployed position, such as for transit to or from a sitelocation.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the boom system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the boom system of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the boom system of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the boom system of FIGS. 1-4.

FIGS. 6A-6C are a series of isometric views of the boom components ofthe boom system of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view of the skid and related features ofthe boom system of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a boom system in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure in a second, deployed position.

FIG. 9 is an top view of a boom system in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure with the boom system in a second, deployedposition, with one end of a first boom extending from the skid connectedto an end of a boom attached to a rig structure, and with one end of asecond boom extending from the skid connected to a source of cabling,piping, or other resources.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the boom system of FIG. 9 in a second position,in which the skid and booms extending from the skid have changedposition in connection with a change of position of the rig.

FIG. 11 is another top view of the boom system of FIGS. 9-10 in a thirdposition, in which the skid and booms extending from the skid havechanged position yet again in connection with another change of positionof the rig.

FIG. 12 is an exploded partial view of a post and boom connectionassembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of the boom and post connectionassembly shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded isometric view of a rack or modular service linehandling system.

FIG. 15 is a side view of an assembled service line handling system.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a connecting unit of the service linehandling system.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a bracket of the service line handlingsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-5 show a mobile boom system 10 in one embodiment in a first,undeployed position. For ease of reference for the reader, like itemsand features in the various Figures are given the same numerals. It willbe appreciated that the boom system 10 includes a skid 12 having a firstend 14 and a second end 16, and a bottom or floor portion 18. Two posts20 and 22 extend substantially vertically up from the floor 18 of theskid 12, with the first post 20 located near or proximal the first end14 of the skid 12 and the second post 22 located near or proximal thesecond end 16 of the skid 12. It will be appreciated that the skid 12need not be rectangular as illustrated in FIG. 1, and that posts 20 and22 need not be located at opposing ends of the skid 12 as shown in FIG.1, but may be located in first and second locations. In addition, eachpost 20 and 22 has pivotally mounted thereon or attached thereto one endof a first or primary boom 24, with the second end of each first boom 24pivotally attached to a first end of a second or secondary boom 26. Thefirst and second booms are each pivotally connected by pin assemblies 44and drag chains 46.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, it will be appreciated the booms 24 and 26 andthe posts 20 and 22 are all located within an area above the floor 18 ofskid 12 in the first, undeployed position shown. Because the posts 20and 22 and the booms 24 and 26 are located within the area defined bythe area of the floor or bottom 18 of the skid 12, the entire assemblyof the skid 12, posts 20 and 22, and booms 24 and 26 can be more easilytransported and loaded or unloaded while in this first, undeployedposition. It will be appreciated that, although FIGS. 1-5 show themobile boom system 10 with a single skid 12, two posts 20 and 22, andtwo two-piece boom assemblies 24 and 26 attached to each of the posts,the skid 12 can be of a different shape or configuration, or multipleskids may be used. Similarly, more or less booms may be connected andattached together than the two two-piece boom configuration shown inFIGS. 1-5. For example, a single boom might be attached to one post anda three-boom assembly (not shown) might be attached to the second postif desired. In addition, it will be appreciated that a single post mightbe used with the skid 12, or that three or more posts might be used withthe skid 12, although not shown. Similarly, although both sets of booms24 and 26 are shown as of equal length, the length of the two sets ofbooms 24 and 26 may vary, such as by providing a longer or shorterprimary boom 24 or a longer or shorter secondary boom 26 on one set ofbooms than is the case with the other set of booms 24 and 26.

Also shown in FIGS. 1-5 are four crawler assemblies 50, one at each ofthe two corners of the two ends of the skid 12. The crawler assemblies50 each include a single pad 28, adapted to move independently of oneanother and each may move up, down, laterally, and/or transversely inresponse to operator commands. As shown best in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, eachend of the skid 12 has two pads 28 located on opposing sides of thecrawler assembly 50 and on opposing sides of the skid 12. The crawlerassemblies also include hydraulic actuators 30, each of which isconnected to one of said pads 28. The hydraulic actuators 30 may beselectively activated and controlled via a control system (not shown)including a processor, computer software, and a controller, with thecontroller connected either wirelessly or by an extended wire connectionin order to allow an operator to operate the controller at a distanceremote from the skid 12. Although pads 28 are shown in the figures, itwill be appreciated that other means for moving the skid 12 can beprovided, such as, for example, a combination of wheels and varioustypes of motors instead of the pads and the hydraulic actuators 30, suchas shown and described for use in connection with a drilling rig, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,624,831, issued to Orr et al. on Dec. 1,2009, and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Moving in Formation theModular Components of a Drilling Rig from Well to Well,” which is herebyincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. However, a“walking” skid such as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is believed to be moreflexible for operation in a wider range of well site locations, such asif mud, snow, ice, or uneven terrain exists at the drilling site as isoften the case.

The pads 28 can be permanently or removably attached to the crawlerassemblies 50, and/or the crawler assemblies 50 can be permanently orremovably attached to the skid 12. It will be appreciated that thetransportation of the boom system 10 can be easier if the skid 12 fitsonto a conventional truck. If the crawler assemblies 50 and/or pads 28,together with the skid 12, exceed the conventional size for a load on atruck, then having the crawler assemblies 50 and/or pads 28 removablyattached allows for easier transportation of the boom system 10 byplacing the skid 12 onto a truck or other mode of transportation andplacing the crawler assemblies 50 and/or pads 28 on top of the skid 12(for example) for transportation, and then attaching the crawlerassemblies 50 and pads 28 to the skid 12 at the drilling site.

In order to move the mobile boom system 10 with the four pads 28 asshown in FIGS. 1-5, vertical hydraulic actuators 30 can be used to liftthe skid 12 vertically from the pads 28, then horizontal hydraulicactuators 30 can be used to move the pads 28 horizontally. The skid 12can then be lowered back onto the pads 28 and rests at the new position.As this process is repeated, the boom system 10 can be moved by“walking.” Alternatively, the skid 12 may be lifted and one or more pads28 can be moved in a direction which corresponds to the longitudinalaxis of the skid 12 and/or to the transverse axis of the skid 12, thusallowing the skid 12 to move in any direction and to change itsorientation as may be desired, and as shown in an example provided bythe series of views provided by FIGS. 9-11. It will be appreciated thatmore or less pads 28 (and related hydraulic actuators 30 and controlequipment) than four may be provided, and that the pads 28 may be placedin alternative configurations with respect to the skid 12 (e.g., such ason the sides of the skid instead of or in addition to the ends of theskid 12). In addition, it will be appreciated that (although not shown)the boom system 10 may also have one or more hydraulic actuators 30attached to one or more of the booms 24 and/or 26, or may have one ormore motors and gear and chain systems, together with a control system,in order to allow an operator to move one or more of the booms 24 and/or26 as desired by use of a controller (like the controller for theoperation of the pads).

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, a hydraulic power unit 15 is shown. Thepower unit 15 sits on the top of the skid floor 18 and (when the boomsare in an undeployed position) under the booms 24, 26. The power unit 15can be entirely self-contained, such as having one or more engines (notshown) to generate power, fuel tanks (not shown), and associatedhydraulics and control equipment (not shown). Although not shown, itwill be appreciated that the hydraulic power unit 15 can be connected toeach of the crawler assemblies 50 to provide hydraulic power to thecrawler assemblies 50 and to the associated hydraulic actuators 30 ateach crawler assembly 50 and for each pad 28. It will be appreciatedthat instead of hydraulic power units 50, other types of power unitscould be provided and located on the skid floor 28.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 (among others), it can be seenthat the mobile boom system 10 does not use a lug and pin connectionassembly to attach the booms 24 to the posts 20 and 22 on the skid 12(although such a connection is within the scope of the presentdisclosure). Instead, it can be seen that the first boom 24 attached atone end to each post 20, 22 comprises a generally rectangular frame,with one end 32 of such frame further having a generallytriangular-shaped end 32 which is adapted to fit onto the top of thepost 20 beneath the post cap 52 and allow for rotation of the boomaround the post. This type of connection assembly provides the system 10with a greater range of potential movement of the booms 24 and 26relative to the posts 20 and 22 and the skid 12 (i.e., 360 degrees ofrotation or close to that, and at least 270 degrees of rotation), andthus provides the system 10 with a great deal of flexibility and rangeof area of operation.

FIG. 6A-C includes three views of a first or primary boom 24 and secondboom 26 boom: one where the two booms 24, 26 are attached to each otherand in a first, undeployed position (A), one where the two booms 24, 26are attached to each other and in a second, deployed position (B), andone view showing the two booms 24, 26 detached from one another (C). Ascan be seen in FIG. 6A-6C, as well as in other Figures, each of booms 24defines a generally rectangular shape. Each of the booms 24 are shownwith four longitudinally extending arms which extend in directionsgenerally parallel to one another, and each of the booms 24 has agreater length than width. In addition, each of the booms 24 hascross-supports which extend generally at right angles to thelongitudinal axis of the booms 24 and connect one of the four arms ofthe boom 24 with another arm of the boom 24, as well as cross-supportswhich extend diagonally between the cross-supports which are at rightangles to the longitudinal axis of the boom 24. This structure thusprovides excellent strength but does not make the boom as heavy or ascostly as might otherwise be the case with an alternative structure. Inaddition, FIGS. 6A-6C (as well as other Figures) show that the secondbooms 26 each have a top arm and a bottom arm which extend generallyparallel to one another in a longitudinal axis of the boom, and booms 26further have cross supports which extend between the two parallel arms,including supports which generally run at right angles to thelongitudinal axis of the boom 26 and supports which run diagonally fromone arm to another arm of the booms 26.

As noted, one end of each of the primary boom 24 may be pivotallyconnected to one end of a secondary boom 26. It will be appreciated thatthe connection of the booms 24 and 26 may be accomplished in a varietyof manners, such as a pin assembly in which the secondary boom 26 isattached to a pin (not shown) which in turn may rotate relative to theprimary boom 24. Alternatively, a post assembly (not shown) could beused, such as one in which a cylindrical post is attached to the end ofthe primary boom 24 and the secondary boom 26 is pivotally attached tothe post. Because the secondary boom 26 need not be as strong as theprimary boom 24 (because the primary boom 24 supports the weight of theservice lines and the secondary boom 26), the connection assembly forthe pivotable connection of the primary boom 24 and the secondary boom26 need not support as much weight as posts 20, 22.

The booms 24, 26 can be made of metal, such as steel, and can be made ofother materials such as metal alloys like aluminum or titanium,composites such as fiber glass or carbon fiber, or even polymericmaterials, such as plastics like polyetheretherketone, or combinationsthereof, or any other such sufficiently strong and rigid material orcombination of materials, such as can support the service lines to beheld thereby. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the booms 24and 26 may comprise different materials. For example, boom 24 couldcomprise a first material and boom 26 could comprise a second material.Similarly, the booms 24 may comprise different materials from oneanother, and the booms 26 could comprise different materials from oneanother. The bottom arm(s) of the booms 24, 26 are designed to be about3 feet to about 7 feet above the floor 18 of the skid 12. It will beappreciated that if the bottom of the booms 24 and 26 are 5 feet orhigher from the floor 18 of the skid 12, there should be clearance forworkers and other equipment at the drill site to pass underneath thebooms 24 and 26 more easily. The posts 20, 22 can be made of metal, suchas steel, and can be made of other materials such as metal alloys likealuminum, titanium, composites such as fiber glass or carbon fiber, oreven polymeric materials, such as plastics like polyetheretherketone, orcombinations thereof, or any other such sufficiently strong and rigidmaterial or combination of materials, such as can support the servicelines to be held thereby, and can be attached to the skid 12 by means ofpermanent weldment or by semi-permanent means including, but not limitedto, bolts, pins, or any other such mechanical fastener. However, it willbe appreciated that other materials and attachment methods can be used,and that the height, length, width, size and shape of the skid 12, theposts 20, 22, the booms 24, 26, and the other features of the mobileboom system 10 can vary as may be desired.

The drag chains 46 can be of a conventional type, such as thoseconsisting of segments bolted or otherwise attached together. As shownin FIG. 2, for example, each of the drag chains 46 have first and secondends 47, which can be bolted or otherwise attached to the side of theboom 24. The size and length of the drag chains 46 may vary. The lengthof drag chains 46 can be selected to restrict the potential amount ofthe rotation of the primary boom 24 and the secondary boom 26 relativeto one another. For example, the drag chain 46 can comprise a pluralityof segmented units in which the number of segments selected provides anoverall length of the drag chain 46 such that the primary boom 24 andsecondary boom 26 to which said drag chain 46 is attached may only beextended to an angle of 170 degrees or so from one another, as opposedto a full 180 degree (or more) angle. Using a bump stop pad located atthe primary and secondary boom pivot point to so restrict the relativemovement of booms 24 and 26 thus avoids situations in which the servicelines attached to the booms 24 and 26 might be overly stressed orstretched, such as by relative movement of the booms 24 and 26 to anangle of 180 degrees or more. It will be appreciated that, although thetwo drag chains 46 shown in the Figures have the same size and width,the boom system 10 may include drag chains 46 with different size,length, width or the like. For example, if the service lines to besupported and held by one set of booms 24 and 26 differs from theservice lines to be held and supported by another set of booms 24 and26, or if an allowed angle of rotation for one set of booms 24 and 26 isintended to be greater or smaller than the angle or relative rotationfor the other set of booms 24 and 26, a longer or shorter, or a largeror smaller, drag chain 46 may be used for one set of booms 24 and 26.The drag chains 46 can also support the service lines as the servicelines extend from the end of the primary boom 24 to the end of thesecondary boom 26. Although not shown, the service lines can be attachedto the interior surface of the drag chains 46. Doing so helps keep theservice lines from drooping downward and also helps keep the servicelines in the same order from top to bottom on the secondary boom 26 asthe order of the service lines as attached to the primary boom 24.

Although those skilled in the art will appreciate that in mostsituations, a number of different service lines will be supported by theboom system 10, and that the services lines will be of different sizesand types, such as electric cabling, pneumatic piping, water piping,piping for other liquids and the like, FIGS. 1-5 show a single serviceline 70 for purposes of clearer illustration. Referring specifically toFIG. 2, as well as to FIGS. 1 and 3-5, it can be seen that the serviceline 70 is provided at a left side of the boom system 10, is supportedon the outside of the top secondary boom 26, runs into and through thedrag chain 46 on the top boom assembly shown in FIG. 2, and then runsalong the inside of the top primary boom 24 (its bottom side as shown inFIG. 2), then proximal the left side of the top primary boom 24 in FIG.2, the line 70 runs downward to the rack or tray 35. The rack 35 runsalong the top surface of the skid 12 and extends along one edge of theskid 12. The rack 35 includes a series of a plurality of rods 37 whichsupport the line 70 as it runs substantially the longitudinal length ofthe skid 12. At the right side of the tray or rack 35, which is proximalthe right hand side of the skid 12 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the line 70extends upwardly to the interior portion of the bottom primary boom 24,then extends longitudinally along substantially the length of theprimary boom 24 and, proximal the left end of the primary boom 24,crosses the primary boom 24 transversely and extends into and throughthe drag chain 46 on the bottom boom assembly shown in FIG. 2. The line70 extends from the drag chain 46 and is supported and held on thebottom side of the bottom secondary boom 26 shown in FIG. 2 and extendspast the end of the secondary boom and, as illustrated in FIG. 2, canextend over and past the pads 28 on the right hand side of the boomsystem 10. It will be appreciated that the use of terms such as “right”,“left”, “top”, and “bottom” are used only for convenience with respectto FIG. 2 (and the other Figures of the present disclosure) and are notlimiting in any sense. In addition, it will be understood that, althoughFIG. 2 (and FIGS. 1-5 in general) show only a single service line 70 forsimplicity of illustration, it is likely that the boom system inoperation may have in place of the single service line 70 shown aplurality of service lines, which may be a dozen or dozens of servicelines of different sizes and for different services.

Although shown in various views in the various Figures, rack or tray 35as shown in FIG. 1 has both a bottom layer 35 a and a top layer 35 b.Using two layers 35 a and 35 b for the rack 35 helps provide greatersupport for more service lines and also helps separate the service linesfrom one another. Keeping the service lines separate from one another,organized, and untangled can be important for, among many other reasons,ease of assembly and maintenance, limiting electrical noise caused by aplurality of electrical cables occupying the same small area, or,although not limited to, separating electrical service lines fromhydraulic, water, pressurized air, or any other such resource a drillingrig might use. As also shown in FIG. 1, each layer 35 a and 35 b of therack 35 has two opposing sides, from which rods or other supports 37extend inwardly between the two opposing sides. The rods 37 help supportthe service lines. In addition, supports 39 can be used to support therack's upper layer 35 b above the lower layer. As shown in FIG. 1, forexample, the two ends of the rack 35 can be curved to accommodate thecurvature of the service lines as they enter and leave the rack 35. Itwill be appreciated that, although not shown, the service lines can beremovably attached to the rack 35, such as by conventional cable or pipeclamps, retention bars, bolt-down clips, or any other sufficient meansof semi-permanently securing the plurality of service lines containedwithin the trays. It will also be appreciated that the service lines canbe supported by the top surface 18 of the skid 12 if desired instead ofa lower rack 35 a.

Also illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 are lights 60. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, theboom assembly may have a plurality of lights 60, which may be movableand which can be used to illuminate the boom assembly 10 or the drillingsite. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the boom system 10can be used without lights 60 or can be provided with more than the twolights 60 shown. The lights 60 can be used selectively, such as when theboom system 10 is in motion, or can be used whenever low light ornighttime conditions exist and more illumination is desired. The lights60 can be provided with plugs 65 which can be attached to one or moreelectrical service lines or can be attached to the generator 15 on theskid 12 or to another power source (not shown).

In FIG. 7, more detail regarding the skid 12 is provided and can be seenin this view (which does not include the booms 24, 26). This view showsa plurality of horizontally mounted racks or trays 35 a and 35 b whichare located on or above the floor 18 of the skid 12. The racks or trays35 a and 35 b run generally longitudinally along the longitudinal lengthof the skid 12; the racks or trays 35 a and 35 b are adapted toremovably hold and support a plurality of cables, pipes, wires,conduits, and the like, which can be connected to or continuations ofcables, pipes, wires, conduits, and the like for the rig utilities heldby one or both of the booms (not shown in this figure). It will beappreciated that, although as shown the tray 35 (comprising in this viewthe upper tray 35 b and the lower tray 35 a) has its transverse axis ina horizontal orientation on or above the floor of the skid 12, the tray35 could be located at another angle or even run perpendicular to theskid floor 18 if desired. In addition, the racks or trays 35 a and 35 bcould be located inside the floor 18 of the skid 12, or the mobile boomsystem 10 could, instead of having rack or tray 35 support the cables,pipes, wires, conduits, and the like, some or all of such cables, pipes,wires, conduits, and the like could instead be located directly on thetop of the floor 18 of the skid 12. In one particular embodiment, theskid floor 18 generally defines a rectangular shape that is about 46feet long and about 12 feet wide (not including the crawler assemblies50 and pads 28).

It will also be appreciated from FIG. 7 that the rack or tray 35generally runs along and is located at or near the edge of one side ofthe skid 12, and each of the posts 20 and 22 is offset from the centerline of the skid 12. Although not shown in FIG. 7, it will beappreciated that this offset from center placement of the posts 20, 22and the use of the supports 34, allows each of the two booms 24, 26 torest on one of the supports 34 when the booms 24 are in an undeployedposition. In addition, it can be seen that the lights 60 can be mountedon and elevated above the supports 34 by vertically extending members.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lights 60 may be ofany variety of conventional lights, such as light emitting diode (LED)lights or other types. It will also be appreciated that elevating thelights 60 above the top of the booms 24 and 26 allow the lights 60 toilluminate the area surrounding the boom system 10 as may be desired.While the lights 60 are shown as facing opposing directions in FIG. 7,for example, the lights 60 can be mounted so they can be easily moved byan operator (e.g., by rotating one or both of the lights 60 and/or bypivoting one or both up or down) so that they can be directed toilluminate one or more areas of or around the boom system 10 as may bedesired.

FIG. 8 provides a view of a mobile boom system of the present disclosurein a deployed position. As can be seen, cables, pipes, wires, or thelike are held and supported by the booms, and cables, pipes, wires orthe like are also held and supported by the tray or cage 35′ running thelength of the skid 12. As shown in this FIG. 8, the tray or rack 35′ isin a vertical position and runs substantially the longitudinal length ofthe skid 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the rack 35′shown in FIG. 8 could be used in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5, forexample, and that the rack 35 shown in FIGS. 1-5 could be used in placeof the vertical orientation of the rack 35′ as shown in FIG. 8. Stillreferring to FIG. 8, a rig boom 36 extending to and removably attachedto one end of a second boom 26 (in the upper left hand corner of thisfigure) is shown. This rig boom 36 extends from the side of a drillingrig 40 in this particular embodiment. As also shown in FIG. 8, ajunction box 42 can be attached at or near the end of the rig boom 36.In this embodiment, the ends of the cables, pipes, and wires and thelike that are held and supported by the boom 26 can be removablyconnected to the junction box 42, such as by plugging such cables andwires into receptacles therefor in the junction box 42, and connectingthe pipes to appropriate receptacles or connections therefor provided onthe junction box 42. It will be appreciated that more than one junctionbox 42 can be provided on the rig boom 42 and, alternatively, one ormore junction boxes can be removably or permanently attached at or nearthe end of one or more of the boom 26 if desired.

In FIGS. 9-11, a series of views are provided of a mobile boom system ata drilling site location, which also includes a drilling rig 40 andvarious equipment for supporting the operations of the drilling rig 40.As shown in each of these three figures, the skid 12 and booms 24, 26are positioned at the drilling site to allow for a connection of theutilities and the cables, piping, etc. for the same between the sourceof the utilities for the drilling rig 40 and for connection to anelectrical switchgear and motor control package (the “MCC PKG”) and therig 40. In these three figures, the rig further includes a rig boom 36with one or more junction boxes 42 attached proximal the end of the boomrig distal from the rig. In FIG. 9, the rig boom 36 is shown as twobooms; however, this is shown as an illustration of the range of motionof a single rig boom 36 and its rotation from one position to another.Although the rig boom 36 is shown as limited to this approximately 45degrees of rotation, it will be appreciated that the rig boom 36 in aparticular embodiment can also rotate to a lesser or greater degreedepending on the configuration of particular embodiments. As the rig 40moves from right to left in this series of three figures, the potentialselective movement, relative positioning, and orientation of the skid 12and the booms 24, 26 is illustrated. As also shown in FIGS. 9-11, thecables, pipes, conduits, and the like held and supported by the booms24, 26 are held above the bottom of the booms 24, 26. In one embodiment,the bottom of the booms 24, 26 are located at least 6.5 feet above theground of the drilling site, although it will be appreciated that uneventerrain, local features at the drilling site, and/or the presence ofother equipment may mean that not all of each of the booms 24, 26 islocated at least this high above the ground.

In FIG. 12, a partial exploded view of the post 20 and the primary boom24 connection is provided. Although only post 20 is shown in FIG. 12, itwill be appreciated that post 22 may have the same or a differentconnection assembly as that shown for post 20 and primary boom 24 inFIG. 12. In FIG. 12, the connection assembly includes (shown from top tobottom) a plurality of bolts 54, a post cap 52, a first bushing 61, aprimary boom end 32, a second bushing 63, post 20, with the post 20including proximal its lower end a lip 21. The second bushing 63 isgenerally and substantially shaped as a hollow cylinder, with an insidediameter which is slightly greater than the outside diameter of post 20.The second bushing 63 fits over and around the post 20 and is held inposition proximal the lower end of the post 20 by the lip 21 of the post20. The lip 21 is an annular ring and has an outside diameter which isgreater than the inside diameter of the second bushing 63.

Still referring to FIG. 12, the end 32 of the primary boom 24 defines ashape that is generally like a triangular prism, except that thetriangular corner at the very end of the primary boom 24 is rounded. Theend 32 has an opening 33 therethrough that extends parallel to thetransverse axis of the primary boom 24. The interior diameter of theopening 33 is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the secondbushing 63, and so the opening 33 and the end 32 of the primary boom 24fit over and onto the second bushing 63. Similarly, the first bushing 61is generally a hollow cylinder, and has an outside diameter which isslightly less than the inside diameter of the opening 33. The firstbushing 61 thus fits inside the opening 33. The first bushing 61 isattached to a post end cap 52 by bolts 54, which fasten the cap 52 tothe top end of the first bushing 61. It will also be appreciated thatthe bolts 54 can fasten the cap 52, the first bushing 61 and the top ofthe post 20. although it will be appreciated that a variety of differentmaterials may be used for first bushing 61 and second bushing 63, andthat the bushings 61, 63 may comprise different materials, the bushings61, 63 can be made of aluminum, bronze, or an aluminum/bronze alloy toprovide a surface with less friction to allow the primary boom 24 torotate easier and require less force for moving the boom 24.

In FIG. 13, a partial sectional view of the connection assembly for thepost 20 and primary boom 24 is provided. As shown in FIG. 13, the end 32of the primary boom 24 is located around a top portion of the post 20,with the post cap 52 bolted to the top end of the first bushing 61. Thefirst bushing 61 and the second bushing 63 are located withincylindrical passageway extending generally vertically through the end32, with the first bushing 61 located around and encircling a topportion of the post 20 and the second bushing 63 located around andencircling a lower portion of the post 20, and with the bottom end ofthe second bushing 63 resting on the top surface of the lip 21.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-18, examples of a rack apparatus for holdingpiping, cabling, and/or service lines on a boom are illustrated. In FIG.14, an exploded isometric view of a service line holder system, or rack,1401 is shown. In FIG. 14, the system 1401 includes two opposingbrackets 1410 and 1415, which can have their longitudinal axes runningin a substantially vertical direction as shown. Either or both ofbrackets 1410 and 1415 can be attached to a boom. As shown in FIG. 14,the service line holding system 1401 includes a plurality of opposingconnection units 1411 and 1413, 1421 and 1423, and 1431 and 1433,respectively, from top to bottom of the illustration in FIG. 14. Eachpair of opposing units is adapted to be removably and securely connectedto each other and to connect the two opposing brackets 1410 and 1415together. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the connection may be achieved byusing a plurality of bolts 1442, washers 1441 and 1440, with the each ofthe bolts 1442 extending through a corresponding hole in each ofbrackets 1415 and 1410. In addition, each of the bolts 1442 passesthrough openings in a corresponding one of the first connection units1413 and through an opening in one of the corresponding secondconnection units 1411. The bolts 1442 can be secured to one of thecorresponding blocks 1407, which is held in place within the bracket1410 and is urged towards bracket 1415 by a corresponding spring 1405.In addition to the series of three opposing pairs of connecting units1411 and 1413, 1421 and 1423, and 1431 and 1433, it can be seen thatlocated in between each pair of the connecting units are a plurality ofopposing pairs of brackets 1450 and 1460. As illustrated in FIG. 14, thevarious pairs of opposing brackets may vary in size and shape. Byvarying the size and/or shape of the opposing pairs of brackets 1450 and1460, the service line holding system can be adapted to removably andsecurely hold a variety of different sizes and shapes of cables, pipes,and service lines on one of the booms of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 15, a side view of the assembled service line holding system1401 is provided. For convenience of the reader, like items and featuresin the figures have like numbers. As illustrated in FIG. 15, each of theopposing pairs of connecting units (1411 and 1413, 1421 and 1423, and1431 and 1433) are in contact and adjacent to the correspondingconnecting unit. Similarly, each of the opposing pairs of brackets 1450and 1460 have a top portion and a bottom portion which are in contactwith the corresponding opposing bracket, and further define an opening1455 between the two opposing brackets 1450 and 1460. It will beappreciated that the size and shape of the openings 1455 defined by thepairs of opposing brackets 1450 and 1460 can be determined by the sizeand shape of the brackets 1450 and 1460, and, as illustrated in FIG. 15,the openings 1455 can vary accordingly in size and shape as may bedesired to removably hold various sizes and shapes of cables, pipes, andservice lines.

In FIG. 16, an isometric view of a connecting unit 1433 is provided. Asshown in FIG. 16, the connecting unit 1433 may have a first side 1625adapted to be adjacent to the opposing connecting unit 1431. Asillustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, side 1625 may be substantially flat, butthose skilled in the art will appreciate that other surface shapes maybe used. The second side of the unit 1433 has a generally rectangularrecess 1620 between a top end and a bottom end. Although “top” and“bottom” are used herein for convenience and consistently with theillustration of unit 1433 in FIGS. 14 and 15, those skilled in the artwill recognize the orientation of the unit 1433 may be changed. Stillreferring to FIG. 16, the unit 1433 has on its top side a projection1605 and on its bottom side has a recess 1610. In addition, the unit1433 has a hole or opening 1615 therein, which is adapted to removablyreceive and hold a portion of one of the bolts 1442 shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 provides an isometric view of bracket 1450. As shown in FIG. 17,the bracket 1450 has a top, a bottom, and two sides. The side shown onthe right is shown as substantially flat. The opposing side, shown onthe left in FIG. 17, defines a portion of an opening (such as opening1455). This opposing side includes an arcuate portion 1720 between thetop and bottom of the bracket 1450. The arcuate portion 1720 can definea hemisphere or portion of a circle, or can define an elliptical orother shape. In addition, the arcuate portion 1720 can comprise most ofthe side (such as shown in FIG. 17), but those skilled in the art willappreciate from the other figures and description that the arcuateportion 1720 can also comprise a relatively small portion of the side ofthe bracket 1455, such as if the arcuate portion 1720 and its opposingmate are intended to removably hold a wire (as opposed to, e.g., arelatively large pipe).

The bracket 1455 as shown in FIG. 17 further includes a wedge orprojection 1705 on a portion of its top, as well as a recess 1710 in aportion of its bottom. It will be appreciated that the projection 1705can be of the same or substantially the same size and shape as therecess 1710, or that they may differ in shape and size. However, asshown in FIG. 14, each of the brackets 1450, 1460, and the connectingunits 1411 and 1413, 1421 and 1423, and 1431 and 1433, respectively, mayhave recesses on at least a portion of their respective bottom sides andprojecting wedges on at least a portion of the respective top sides,with each of the recesses adapted to removably receive and hold one ofthe projecting wedges. If the sizes and shapes of all the pairs ofopposing brackets 1450 and 1460, and the opposing pairs of connectingunits 1411, 1413, 1421, 1423, 1431, 1433, are substantially the same,however, it will be appreciated that the various pairs of brackets(which may define openings 1455 of different sizes and shapes) may beassembled into the system in whatever order of openings 1455 may bedesired for a particular configuration of the cabling, piping, and otherservice lines on a boom. This configuration allows for easier use andmore flexibility in arranging the various lines to be held by the boom.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials maybe used in connection with the rack or system 1401 as shown anddescribed. For example, the brackets 1410 and 1415 can be made ofmetals, such as steel, and can be made of other materials such as metalalloys like aluminum, or titanium, composites such as fiber glass orcarbon fiber, or even polymeric materials, such as plastics likepolyetheretherketone, or combinations thereof, or any other suchsufficiently strong and rigid material or combination of materials. Theopposing connector units 1411, 1413, 1421, 1423, 1431, and 1433, and/oropposing pairs of brackets 1450 and 1460 may comprise any of theforegoing materials and may also be made of any of the followingmaterials: polymers like thermoplastics, ceramics, metal alloys,elastomers such as natural or synthetic rubbers, or any other suchmaterial with suitable desired characteristics, or combinations thereof.It will therefore be appreciated that, in general, it is desirable thatthe rack or system 1401 comprise relatively rigid materials which arealso relatively lightweight materials.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosureillustrates and describes a movable boom system with a great deal offlexibility and ease of use, among other advantages. For example, afirst boom may have several holding systems 1401 attached at four or sointervals along the length of the boom, such as if it is desired toavoid any slack in cabling or other flexible service lines to be held bythe boom. However, it will be appreciated that the other boom may havefewer or more holding systems 1401 than the other boom, or may have thesame number. Although we expect that generally the same order of theservice lines from top to bottom (or, alternatively, bottom to top) willlikely be the same on the various booms, this need not necessarily beso.

It will be appreciated from the illustrations and description providedthat the boom system as disclosed herein provides a number ofadvantages. One of the advantages of the boom system of the presentdisclosure is that it can be used to keep the service lines attachedtightly to a boom so that there is no slack and resulting droop of theservice lines below the bottom of a boom. In addition, another advantageis that the boom system of the present disclosure provides a stablesystem not susceptible to tipping even when the booms and boom systemprovide a clearance of from at least four feet, five feet, six feet, orseven feet between the bottom of the boom and the ground level (or theskid level when the ground level varies below a boom).

While the present invention has been shown and described in itspreferred embodiment and in certain specific alternative embodiments,those skilled in the art will recognize from the foregoing discussionthat various changes, modifications, and variations may be made theretowithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the claims. For example, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the foregoing description and figures generally depict aboom system with a particular configuration, such as a skid with twoposts and two-part booms pivotally attached thereto, but otherconfigurations involving less or more posts, booms, and/or boomconfigurations may be used, and in addition less or more rig booms maybe provided. In addition, other means for moving the skid can beprovided beyond those shown and described above. For example, aplurality of a continuous band of modular tread plates that are linkedtogether to create an uninterrupted surface for machinery to roll overcan be used. Each such track band can be driven by wheels or sprocketsand can be made of either steel or synthetic plates. Such tracks bothincrease traction and decrease the imparted ground bearing pressure whencompared to standard wheels. In addition, a plurality of self-drivenwheels can be used for moving the skid, such as a plurality of wheelswith individually powered electric motor hubs. Such wheels can beadapted to rotate and articulate individually to allow the skidstructure to move in any direction or mode as may be desired. Anotherexample of means for moving the skid include the use of an air bearingor air cushion, which can be used to create a cushion of air beneath astructure to lift a substantial load and allow it to easily move when aminimal external force is applied. Such an air cushion decreasesfriction between the ground surface and the bottom of the supportingstructure to near zero. Still another type of means for moving the skidis the use of rollers or skid plates, which allow a structure to bepushed or pulled using an additional piece of equipment. Such rollers orskid plates decrease friction between the ground surface and thestructure.

Hence, the embodiment and specific configurations, dimensions, materialsand the like are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of theinvention or the claims herein.

We claim:
 1. A mobile boom system comprising: a skid having a first postlocated proximal a first location of said skid and a second post locatedproximal a second location of said skid; a first boom having a first endand a second end, wherein the first end of said first boom is pivotallyattached to the first post of said skid; a second boom having a firstend and a second end, wherein the first end of said second boom ispivotally attached to the second post of said skid, wherein the secondend of either said first boom or said second boom is proximal orattached to an end of a boom extending from a drilling rig; a rackattached to said skid between the first post and the second post,wherein said rack is adapted to carry at least a portion of cabling orpiping located between the first post and the second post; and aplurality of pads movably attached to a bottom of said skid, whereineach of said plurality of pads is adapted to be actuated and movable inresponse to an operator command.
 2. The mobile boom system according toclaim 1, wherein the first location of said skid comprises a first endand the second location of said skid comprises a second end, and whereinthe first and second ends of said skid are opposing ends of said skid.3. The mobile boom system according to claim 1 further comprising athird boom having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end ofsaid third boom is pivotally attached to the second end of said firstboom.
 4. The mobile boom system according to claim 3 further comprisinga fourth boom having a first end and a second end, wherein the first endof said fourth boom is pivotally attached to the second end of saidsecond boom.
 5. The mobile boom system according to claim 1, wherein thesecond end of either said first boom or said second boom is proximal orattached to a source for utilities for the drilling rig.
 6. The mobileboom system according to claim 1, wherein each of said first boom andsaid second boom are adapted to carry a plurality of service linescomprising a wire, a cable, a pipe, a hose, or a combination thereof. 7.The mobile boom system according to claim 1, wherein each of said firstboom and said second boom are adapted to carry a plurality of servicelines at a height of at least four feet above ground level.
 8. Themobile boom system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of saidfirst boom and said second boom are adapted to carry a plurality ofservice lines at a height of at least four feet above ground level. 9.The mobile boom system according to claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid first boom and said second boom are adapted to carry a plurality ofservice lines at a height of at least five feet above ground level. 10.The mobile boom system according to claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid first boom and said second boom are adapted to carry a plurality ofservice lines at a height of at least six feet above ground level. 11.The mobile boom system according to claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid first boom and said second boom are adapted to carry a plurality ofservice lines at a height of at least seven feet above ground level. 12.The mobile boom system according to claim 4, wherein at least aplurality of said first boom, said second boom, said third boom, andsaid fourth boom are adapted to carry a plurality of service lines at aheight of at least six feet above ground level.
 13. The mobile boomsystem according to claim 1 further comprising a power unit located onsaid skid and a controller connected to actuators adapted to move saidplurality of pads, wherein said controller is also connected to aprocessor for executing computer software instructions in response toone or more inputs to said controller from an operator.
 14. The mobileboom system according to claim 13, wherein said controller is connectedto the processor wirelessly or with a tethered cable and said controllercan be remotely operated by an operator at a distance of at leasttwenty-five feet from said skid.
 15. The mobile boom system according toclaim 1 wherein the first boom is operable to rotate at least 180degrees from a first position.
 16. The mobile boom system according toclaim 1, wherein both the first boom and the second boom are eachoperable to rotate at least 180 degrees from a first position.
 17. Themobile boom system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of saidfirst boom and said second boom further comprise at least one modularservice line handling system which comprises a plurality of pairs ofopposing brackets which define an opening therebetween, wherein saidplurality of pairs of opposing brackets define at least a first openingof a desired shape or size and adapted to removably hold a first type ofservice line therein and at least a second opening of a desired shape orsize and adapted to removably hold a second type of service linetherein.
 18. A mobile boom system comprising: a skid having a first sideand a second side, and having a first post located proximal the firstside of said skid and a second post located proximal the second side ofsaid skid; a first boom having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end of said first boom is pivotally attached to the first post ofsaid skid; a second boom having a first end and a second end, whereinthe first end of said second boom is pivotally attached to the secondpost of said skid; a third boom having a first end and a second end,wherein the first end of the third boom is pivotally attached to thesecond end of the first boom; a drag chain attached at a first end tosaid first boom and attached at a second end to said third boom; a trayor rack attached to said skid between the first post and the secondpost, wherein said tray or rack is adapted to carry at least a portionof cabling or piping located between the first post and the second post;and means for moving said skid attached to said skid.
 19. The mobileboom system according to claim 18, wherein said means for moving saidskid further comprises a plurality of hydraulically actuated pads. 20.The mobile boom system according to claim 18, wherein said means formoving said skid further comprises a plurality of wheels.
 21. The mobileboom system according to claim 18, wherein said means for moving saidskid further comprises a plurality of linked treads.
 22. The mobile boomsystem according to claim 18 wherein said means for moving said skidcomprise means for providing an air cushion underneath at least aportion of said skid.
 23. The mobile boom system according to claim 18,wherein said means for moving said skid further comprises a controlleroperable by an operator to selectively actuate said means for movingsaid skid.
 24. The mobile boom system according to claim 18, wherein themaximum angle between said first boom and said third boom is less than180 degrees.
 25. The mobile boom system according to claim 18, whereinthe second end of either said third boom or said fourth boom is proximalor attached to a source for utilities for the drilling rig.
 26. Themobile boom system according to claim 25, wherein each of said firstboom, said second boom, and said third boom are adapted to carry aplurality of service lines.
 27. The mobile boom system according toclaim 18, wherein at least a plurality of said first boom, said secondboom, and said third boom are adapted to carry a plurality of servicelines at a height of at least six feet above ground level.
 28. Themobile boom system according to claim 18 further comprising a power unitlocated on said skid and a controller connected to actuators adapted tomove said plurality of pads, wherein said controller is also connectedto a processor for executing computer software instructions in responseto one or more inputs to said controller from an operator.
 29. Themobile boom system according to claim 28, wherein said controller isconnected to the processor wirelessly or with a tethered cable and saidcontroller can be remotely operated by an operator at a distance of atleast twenty-five feet from said skid.
 30. The mobile boom systemaccording to claim 18, wherein the first boom is operable to rotate atleast 180 degrees from a first position.
 31. The mobile boom systemaccording to claim 18, wherein both the first boom and the second boomare each operable to rotate at least 180 degrees from a first position.